New moorage and amenities will enhance access to Kyuquot Sound
COURTENAY, 17 May 2022 – Fair Harbour’s aging marine dock at the gateway to Kyuquot Sound will be replaced with a modern, full-service marine dock, with funding support from Island Coastal Economic Trust’s DIVERSIFY Capital & Innovation Program.
Owned and operated by the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN), the Fair Harbour Marina and Campground is a vital hub on Vancouver Island’s Northwest Coast, providing access to 10 provincially and federal managed marine parks within the region, and supporting tour operators and residents with supplies and services.
The Kyuquot region has become well known for its natural beauty. This popular sport fishing and adventure tourism destination has experienced a dramatic increase in visitors in the past few years – over 700% from 2019 to 2020 alone. New marine infrastructure is needed to support this level of growth.
“Marine tourism is a recognized economic driver on Vancouver Island and this project represents significant improvement to the area’s marine infrastructure,” says ICET Board Chair Aaron Stone. “Replacing the current infrastructure with a modern full-service dock will address the growing recreational moorage demand and create new opportunities for economic diversification.”
The existing wooden dock will be replaced with a fully serviced, concrete float dock system – expanding the available transient moorage footage from zero to over 300 feet and adding moorage resources and re-supply options to the existing marine fuel services. These updates are designed to expand capacity, encourage longer stays and extend the tourism season.
“These improvements further position Fair Harbour and the Kyuquot Sound, as a multi-day destination for visitors interested in Indigenous cultural events, history, and extraordinary natural experiences,” explains Gary Wilson, KCFN Group of Businesses CEO and Economic Development Officer. “Fair Harbour is the gateway to Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations Territories and our newly developed marina facilities are essential to growing our marine-based economy for the benefit of our businesses, the Nation community of Houpsitas, and surrounding area residents.”
The Fair Harbour Dock Revitalization is the third phase of a larger initiative to expand tourism infrastructure at Fair Harbour. Earlier phases included construction of new, full serviced campgrounds, cabins, staff housing, and washroom facilities.
The Fair Harbour Dock Revitalization project is funded from the Strategic Tourism Infrastructure stream of ICET’s DIVERSIFY Capital & Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $300,000 to the total project cost of $714,229. Construction is set to get underway shortly.
The DIVERSIFY Capital & Innovation Program is accepting applications until May 20th 2022. For more information on the program please visit our website: www.islandcoastaltrust.ca
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About the Island Coastal Economic Trust
Created and capitalized by the Province of BC in 2006, the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) mission is to create a more diverse and globally competitive Island and Coastal economy. In partnership with local and regional governments, non-profits and Indigenous communities, ICET serves over half a million residents. Funding and support for economic infrastructure and other economic diversification initiatives is delivered through a unique community centered decision-making process. Since inception, ICET has approved more than $55 million in funding for over 280 initiatives. These investments have leveraged over $270 million in new investment into the region creating more than 2600 construction phase jobs and 2750 long-term permanent jobs.
For further information:
Hilary Muth, Communications Coordinator
Island Coastal Economic Trust
Tel. 250-871-7797 (Ext. 228)
